Jaguar Repair: Can you help me fix my Jaguar, airflow meter, head gasket

Question
my 1985 jaguar 4.2 petrol was idle for 4 years. i tried starting it but have no compression in number 1 and 3 cylinder. would headgasket be gone or rings be stuck? the other 4 cylinders have between 160-170 pounds.

Answer
Hi Declan,
Unlikely head gasket nor rings. Most likely is valves. Pull #1 plug and put the piston at TDC on the compression/power stroke and blow air into the plug hole to see where it comes out of. remove the air filter, open the throttle and open the airflow meter flap and listen to see if you hear the air. Then go back and listen at the tail pipe. If it is a valve then remove the cam covers and check for valve clearance. In these tests you should find the problem. What ever you find wrong with #1 will probably be the same with #3.
Howard